Intensive care ventilators

This study presents ECRI's evaluation findings for four newly tested intensive care ventilators, as well as updated ratings for six previously evaluated models. Intensive care ventilators provide temporary support for critically ill patients who cannot breathe on their own or who require assistance to maintain adequate gas exchange in the lungs. Most of today's models offer a variety of capabilities to help clinicians tailor treatments to each patient, to alert users to potentially dangerous conditions, and to protect the patient when problems arise. We found that all the evaluated models can satisfactorily ventilate patients. However, not all the models would be an appropriate choice for the typical intensive care unit (ICU). Some of the units we tested lack capabilities that we desire for intensive care applications, and some include noteworthy deficiencies, particularly related to their alarm systems. In fact, we rate one unit Unacceptable because its alarm limits default to unsafe values. Of the remaining units, we rate five models Preferred because they offer the functionality to meet the needs of a broad range of ICU patients. Two additional units offer more limited capabilities, but they perform well and are inexpensive; these models, which we rate Acceptable, may be the best choice for some facilities. The final two units are Not Recommended for most new purchases because they lack features that aid in patient-ventilator synchrony; such features can improve patient comfort and thus are highly desirable. ECRI's recommended purchasing strategy, which is detailed in the Conclusions section, will help healthcare facilities select from among the evaluated models.